Description

Mould Release agents are an integral part of the composite moulding process and are vital to the successful production of high quality FRP components.

Semi-permanent Mold release

When applied to release agents, the term ‘semi-permanent’ usually refers to those products which function by depositing a micro-thin film on the surface of the mould. Semi-permanent release agents allow multiple releases from moulds, making them ideal for high volume production processes such as resin transfer moulding (RTM). There is no build-up or transfer of release agent, so the need for cleaning of moulds and/or mouldings is reduced to a minimum. It is vital when using these unique release systems that the mould surface is perfectly clean to ensure good film formation and proper cure of the release coating.

Internal Release Agents

Internal release agents are used mainly in high volume, mechanized processes such as pultrusion, RTM and SMC / DMC hot press moulding. A suitable product is dissolved in the resin mix and during processing it migrates to the surface and forms a barrier between the resin and the mould.

How Release agent works

SEMI-PERMANENT RELEASES	CONVENTIONAL MOLD RELEASE WAX, PVA, POLYMERIC
Strong chemical bond	Weak surface adhesion
Release film cross-links on exposure to atmosphere or temperature bonding to mold	Evaporation deposits a release film on the mold surface
Reactive resin solutions	Release sits on the mold surface
Cross link and cures on the mold	Forms a physical barrier
Forms a chemical barrier	Fills pores in the mold surface
Thin, strong coatings	Subject to transfer/buildup